Feline inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition causing persistent gastrointestinal inflammation that leads to ongoing nausea, weight loss, and poor quality of life without appropriate management.
Cats with IBD experience chronic nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort that is analogous to living with persistent mild to moderate gastroenteritis. Chronic vomiting is distressing and physically demanding. The weight loss associated with IBD reflects both reduced appetite and impaired nutrient absorption, causing weakness and deteriorating body condition. Many cats with IBD adopt a hunched posture or show reluctance to eat that reflects ongoing nausea. The chronicity of the condition - it requires lifelong management rather than cure - means that the welfare impact extends over years. Well-managed IBD cats can have good quality of life, but the management requires consistent medication and monitoring that some owners find challenging.